Better think twice about bringing home a bunny for Easter

Available for adoption at the Humane Society of Broward County. Courtesy… (Courtesy Humane Society…)

April 6, 2012|By Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel

Think twice before you buy that bunny in the window.

With Easter on the way, some families may be tempted to bring home a hip-hoppity little bundle of joy.

Buyer, beware, animal experts warn.

Before taking on a pet rabbit, owners should know what's required over the long haul, said Cherie Wachter, spokeswoman for the Humane Society of Broward County.

Many people assume bunnies are low-maintenance pets, but they need special care and require a lifetime commitment. For healthy bunnies, that can mean anywhere from nine to 12 years. Some have been known to reach 15.

If you're looking for a cuddly pet for a small child, you might opt for a kitten.

Most rabbits do not like to be picked up and their bones can break easily, Wachter said.

Rabbits need daily exercise and should not live their entire lives in a cage.

They live longer if kept indoors, out of the heat. If kept inside, they require a special enclosure to keep them from chewing on cords and other items.

To help digest their food, they require a daily helping of Timothy hay. They also need a variety of fresh greens like romaine, kale, parsley and carrot tops.

Just like dogs and cats, they need to be spayed or neutered. If not, they can have 20 to 40 babies a year, Wachter said.

Animal rights workers tell sad tales of bunnies being dumped in the wild after their owners have tired of them. Many become prey for larger animals or die of starvation.

Others are dropped off at local animal shelters, where they have a chance at adoption.

For years, the South Florida Wildlife Center in Fort Lauderdale has been the dumping ground for unwanted rabbits bought as Easter pets.

"We used to take in hundreds of rabbits every year," said Sherry Schlueter, the center's executive director.

"These former Easter pets that look so cute are going to get bigger and start to chew wires," Schlueter said. "And people are going to dump them."

The wildlife center now only takes in sick or injured rabbits in need of medical care, Schlueter said. Staffers are directing people surrendering healthy rabbits to take them to the Humane Society.

If your heart is truly set on getting a rabbit, animal rights experts urge adopting from a shelter.

Several bunnies at the Humane Society of Broward County are waiting to be adopted.

The $20 fee includes spaying or neutering.

The shelter, at 2070 Griffin Road, is open for adoption Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The shelter will be closed on Easter Sunday.

The Humane Society will host a free Bunny Basics seminar on April 14 for rabbit owners.